Stunted by wind, frozen earth and long winters, the forest has grown considerably slower than Astana itself.

BBC: New horizons in Kazakhstan

The likes of Findus Crispy Pancakes and Birds Eye Potato Waffles were being served up in homes across the UK. New frozen desserts also became popular, such as Black Forest Gateau, Wall's Viennetta and Birds Eye's Arctic Roll.

BBC: The rise of the ready meal

After a short flight from Kathmandu to the mountain hamlet of Lukla, it took me 12 days to reach Base Camp, trekking 160km and climbing 10, 000 feet, hiking through dense forest, over a dozen suspension bridges, above the tree line and, finally, into a frozen landscape of ancient rock and glacial ice.

BBC: Everest's growing problem